Every 4th of July, Americans across this great nation of ours gather together in backyards, parks and beaches to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But as soon as the sun sets, we all turn our eyes to the night sky, because that’s where the real show takes place.

I’m talking about the fireworks, of course. I’ve seen some great firework shows in my day. And what always amazes me about them is how each blast is able to turn darkness into light. Every spark works together to transform night into day. It was this metaphor of light transforming darkness that got me thinking.

Do you remember the opening passage in the Gospel of John? It goes like this:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of man. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5, ESV)

That last verse is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Just like the fireworks on a 4th of July, Christ burst onto the scene in the middle of the night, and the light of his life transformed our darkness. In him, our pathway back to a loving relationship with God was illuminated.

This 4th of July, I pray that while those fireworks are lighting up the sky, we’ll be reminded of the transformational incarnation of Christ. And unlike the fireworks that fade away after only a few seconds, our Lord’s light is eternal.

I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.